July 18, 2022, was one of the best days I have ever experienced in the ten years of Science Camp on Hawaiʻi Island. Our group of twenty-seven staff and campers headed out on the road that morning to start our field trip exploring a lava tube (awesome), then went on to Mauna Kea, the tallest of the island’s five volcanoes and home to many unique and diverse species as well as some of the worldʻs greatest astronomical observatories (incredibly awesome).
At the Mauna Kea Visitor Station (9,000 feet above sea level) we were met by the conservation scientist in charge of protecting the many endangered species of plants, insects, and birds that make their homes on the upper slopes of the mountain. Campers went to work helping to restore the native ecosystem by clearing invasive plants. Sunset found us atop a puʻu (hill) with a view of three volcanoes peaks poking through the ever-changing cloud hues of the sunset-painted sky.
As night fell, thousands of stars appeared. We stargazed in one of the clearest skies imaginable, learning about traditional Polynesian voyaging, pointing out constellations, and sharing cultural stories about the night sky. After a long and wonderful day, we headed home and arrived back at camp late that night.
That might have been the end of this story, but of course, I had to check my email before going to bed. I was elated that I did for I received a link to an article in the famous Condé Nast Traveler magazine’s website, “7 Unforgettable Sleepaway Camp Experiences for Kids.” and Science Camps of America was listed!
In the midst of my excitement, I realized that everyone had already gone to bed—I would have to wait until morning to share the fantastic news.Too electrified to sleep, I read the full story and researched the other six camps covered in the Condé Nast story. I felt so proud to be included in such an impressive group of organizations. All have been in existence for more than forty years—some more than eighty, while Science Camps of America was founded just ten years ago.
The other camps included in the article are:
- Camp Laurel, Mount Vernon, Maine
- StageDoor Manor, Catskills, New York
- Camp Natoma, Adelaida Mountains, California
- Space Camp, Huntsville, Alabama
- Camp Med-O-Lark, Washington, Maine
- Teton Valley Ranch Camp, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The next morning, I gathered the staff and campers together to share the news. It was clear that they, too, were proud of this honor. As they should be. Our campers and staff, from our founding in 2013 through today, have all been an essential ingredient in creating today’s Science Camp. As July 18 shows, having affirmation of our success from a respected and renowned source (Condé Nast Traveler!) makes a great day even greater.
Science Camps of America Blog 